Jen Gunter Instagram – Great lecture on sleep at the Menopause Society.
I had to share this slide, which is from one of the papers to come out of the Ms. Flash study. This paper is a compilation of data from three randomized controlled trials looking at different interventions and medications for sleep for women with hot flashes. Women were in the menopause transition or menopause, ages 40-62. This is great because the menopause transition is under studied.
Fascinating that CBT-I performed the best. And this was telephone delivered CBT-I. Also fascinating that venlafaxine out performed oral estradiol, although admittedly the dose of estradiol was 0.5 mg a day, which is a dose. Venlafaxine was 37.5 XR a day for a week then 75 mg a day.
I think this study tells us that CBT-I can work even when there are hot flashes. Which is fascinating and wonderful!!! This does not mean that people must try it first, but if sleep is your biggest issue and you are starting estrogen, maybe also think about adding on CBT-I. I encourage you to keep an open mind about it. This very evidence based. Also, if you are someone who can’t or doesn’t want to take estrogen, the good news is there is a great hormone-free option to try!
Also, for people who choose non estrogen medications, this data tells us some might perform quite well for sleep when you have hot flashes.
And if you swipe there is some more basic data about what CBT-I is and some information about apps that were recommended by the speaker. Several speakers have recommended the VA CBTI app. And also, if sleep is your issue a good follow is @sleepdocshelby
Side note: almost every time I post about non estrogen therapies there is someone who thinks that means I am against MHT. Sigh. Please don’t be that person. I am tired of a vocal minority purposely misconstruing my posts. The more evidence based options we have the better. As not everyone can or wants to take hormones and as hormones don’t always treat all the symptoms, having more options only helps women. | Posted on 14/Sep/2024 21:28:05
